Pakistan claim Twenty20 final place
Pakistan claim Twenty20 final place
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Saturday, 22, Sep 2007 05:13
Pakistan claimed a spot in the World Twenty20 final after beating New Zealand by six wickets in Cape Town.
Imran Nazir's quickfire 59, which included five towering sixes, helped Pakistan home with an over to spare after they were set 144 for victory by the Kiwis.
Nazir forged a match-winning partnership with Mohammed Hafeez, who scored 32 as Pakistan put their World Cup disappointment behind them.
New Zealand, who won the toss and opted to bat first, started well with Lou Vincent and Brendan McCullum sharing an important partnership.
But Pakistan, buoyed by poor running between the wickets, bowled impressively to trigger a batting collapse and without some late big hitting by Ross Taylor, who scored 37, the situation could have been worse.
Chasing their target the Pakistan openers put on 60 before Hafeez fell victim of an lbw decision to Scott Styris.
But Nazir continued to play his strokes until he finally fell in the 13th over to Jeetan Patel, which caused Pakistani jitters - until captain Shoaib Malik came to the crease.
Malik's unbeaten 26 forced Pakistan across the line with seven deliveries to spare smashing the winning runs with a six over mid-wicket.